Jennifer Graham

October 31, 2012

GRAHAM, Jennifer M., 52, of Lucas, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday morning, October 30, 2012.

She was born in Akron on February 18, 1960, the daughter of John H. and Daphne J. Phillips of New Philadelphia.

She was preceded in death by her father, John H. Phillips, in 2003.

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While in Toronto High School in Toronto, OH, Jennifer was a band majorette and a member of National Honor Society. Her fun personality made Jennifer popular with her classmates and was voted homecoming queen her senior year.

Jennifer was a graduate of Ohio State University earning a degree in nursing. While in nursing school, Jennifer was a member of the charitable nursing fraternity A.T.D. She worked as a hospice nurse and taught intensive care nursing in Sharon, PA. She also worked in adolescent psychiatry at St. Francis Hospital in Pittsburgh.

In recent years, her interest in writing revealed itself as Jennifer wrote a column for quite some time in the Mansfield News Journal. Due to her unique writing style, many people enjoyed her column, "Lifelines." In 2011, she achieved honors in the annual contest sponsored by the National Society of Newspaper Columnists in the category of general interest. Jennifer was also popular for her motivational speaking.

Jennifer was a member of Mt. Zion Lutheran Church where she served on the altar guild. A few years ago she participated in GOBA (The Great Ohio Bike Adventure). She also supported the Arthritis Foundation through the Jingle Bell Run. More recently she enjoyed long walks and cross country skiing at Malabar Farm.

Jennifer's greatest joy however was being with her family. She had a kind and compassionate heart, often giving assistance to folks she barely knew. She became a good friend to everyone who met her.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 30 years, David Graham, of Lucas; sons, Benjamin, Mitchell, and John T. Graham and daughter, Mackenzie Graham, all of Lucas; mother, Daphne J. Phillips, of New Philadelphia; brother and sister-in-law, David and Jean Phillips, of Louisville and their children, John David Phillips of Austintown, Joshua and Logan Phillips, both of Louisville; brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Matthew and Lorrie Phillips, of New Philadelphia and their children, Samantha Phillips of North Canton, Zachary Phillips of Louisville, and John Matthew and Joseph Phillips both of New Philadelphia; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jim and Joanne Graham, of Ostrander; brother-in-law, Mark Graham, and his sons, Matthew and Willy Graham, of Centerville and Mark's wife, Joanne Graham, of Cincinnati; special friend, Lori Campbell, of Bellville; and her devoted dog, Reuben.

The family will receive friends Friday, November 2, 2012 from 2-8 p.m. in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home. 419-884-1711. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, 4065 Mt. Zion Road, Lucas. The Rev. Traci Cherry and the Rev. Tim Storms will officiate. Burial will follow in Mount Zion Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions to the Lucas Area Food Pantry, World Vision, or Mansfield Christian Varsity Baseball Program may be made through the funeral home.